Sammy Frasier, 77, of De Leon, beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend passed peacefully from this life into the arms of Jesus on September 26, 2023.

Sammy Ira Frasier was born March 19, 1946, in Gorman, Texas. He graduated from De Leon High School in 1965, and from Tarleton State University, Stephenville in 1970. On June 6, 1969, he married Carolyn Taylor in Fort Worth.

Sam is survived by his two children, his son Jason and wife Jennifer of Burleson, and his daughter Jennifer Leonhart and husband Billy of Fort Worth; five grandchildren, Aidan and Zachary Frasier, and Norah, Liam, and Livia Leonhart; two sisters, Sharon Iley and her husband Richard of Stephenville and Patricia Frasier of De Leon; also several nieces, nephews, and cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents, Ira and Byrl Frasier, his sister, Judy Morgan, and his beloved wife Carolyn Frasier.

Sam loved his family, and he loved the Lord and accepted Christ as his Savior at an early age. He was a long-time member and deacon of First Baptist Church in De Leon.  Affectionately known to his grandchildren as "Poppy", he took great pride and interest in their achievements. They were the delight of his life.

He and Carolyn embarked on a lifelong career in education that brought Sammy to coach in several places: Ennis, Trent, De Leon, May, Comanche, Morgan, and Brownwood. He had fond memories of each stop, but he always bled maroon and was a Bearcat through and through. He also designed the 1975 State Championship memorial plaque that is at the front of the De Leon Bearcat Football Stadium.  Sam was a long-time member of the De Leon Athletic Booster club and also announced the Bearcat home games on Friday nights for many years.

When he retired from coaching and teaching, he had more time to enjoy farming which he had enjoyed part-time while coaching. His watermelons and cantaloupes won many awards at the De Leon Peach and Melon Festival. When Carolyn became ill Sammy stepped back from farming so he could take care of his wife full time.   Sam never did anything halfway. He gave his all to every task he set his mind to, all the way to the very end. He fought the fight, he ran the race, and he finished well.

Funeral services celebrating Sam's life were held Friday, September 29, 2023, at 11:00 a.m. at De Leon First Baptist Church with Brother Daniel Harper and Brother Jim Farley officiating. Sam was laid to rest beside Carolyn in De Leon Cemetery. Serving as pallbearers were Ernie Escamilla, Junior Pacheco, David Menzel, Arthur Flores, and Ronald Spruill. Honorary pallbearers were Roger Pounds, Jerry Morgan, Richard Mohon, Grady West, Gerald VanZandt, Milton Smith, and First Baptist Church Deacons.

If desired, you may make a donation to the church of your choice or favorite charity in Sam's memory.